The Association of Hotels and Resorts in the Algarve (AHETA) has welcomed the announcement of the resumption of roadworks on the EN 125 but objects to the ill-chosen start date and demands that tolls be removed from the Via do Infante motorway from the Spanish border to at least Faro.
Estradas de Portugal has at last organised the recommencement of road repairs and upgrade work along the EN 125 but only the section from Olhão west to Vila do Bispoare to be attended to.
After a three year suspension of essential maintenance work, "a situation that caused severe damage to the region and its main economic activity – tourism,” the Association commented that these losses were substantially aggravated by the introduction of tolls on the A22 in December 2011 and the subsequent transfer of about 50% of the road traffic on to the EN 125 which has caused further degradation.
The hoteliers bemoan the lack of sensitivity in the work starting in July, "in the high season for tourism, which will contribute to the worsening of the already chaotic situation that exists throughout the year on the EN 125."
The AHETA does not understand or accept that only half of the road is to be repaired as Estradas de Portugal plans to ignore the section between Olhão and Vila Real de Santo António.
The Spanish market is important and drivers from Spain are put off by the motorway tolls and will be further put off by the state of the alternative route.
"In the name of economic and tourism interests in the Algarve" AHETA calls on the government to exempt vehicles from tolls between the Spanish border to at least the Faro exit as the situation currently is one of inequality with only half the EN 125 being upgraded.
In reality it is highly unlikely that the work will start as planned this July as the pre-election announcement for the roadworks needs contracts to be passed by the bank syndicates involved, the government and the Court of Auditors.
